9-1-1 emergency dispatch

The Buncombe County Emergency Communications Center is the central answering point for public safety agencies within our county. The center receives police, fire and EMS emergency requests from the public through an Enhanced 911 telephone system.

Tele-communicators dispatch county fire and EMS agencies and transfer law enforcement calls to the appropriate dispatch center. Our center processes approximately 150,000 telephone calls each year with a staff of 13 full-time and 11 part-time employees.

About 9-1-1 Services

If you have an emergency, dial 911.
For all non-emergencies, please call (828) 250-6650.

911 is a three-digit telephone number that you can call 24 hours a day for police, fire, or medical emergencies. Using 911 saves time in emergencies. According to nationwide statistics, it can take up to 2 1/2 minutes to find your telephone directory and then another 30 seconds to locate the correct number. In an emergency, three minutes is a long time -- time that can be saved by remembering to call 911.

When you call 911, your call is received by a trained communications specialist who takes your information, and then dispatches the appropriate police, fire, and/or medical services team located in your area.

911 SHOULD ONLY BE USED FOR EMERGENCIES

When using 911, remain calm and speak clearly. Tell the dispatcher what is happening, where it is happening, and your name, address, and phone number. Remain on the phone to provide additional information as needed. DO NOT HANG UP until the dispatcher advises you to do so.